Question
My husband was involved in two car accidents, neither of which was he at fault.  He is due to undergo a back fusion.  His second back surgery to correct herniated disks. What kind of motion can be expected after a cage and bar back fusion at level 4 and 5?

Carol

Answer
Dear Carol,

Expected range of motion is a question to be answered by your husband's surgeon.

However, I call into question the need for surgery to correct herniated discs.  

When back muscles go into contraction, as in the case of a sudden shock or movement-related injury, they draw vertebrae closer together, which causes discs to bulge.  Over time, discs may break down, leading to a more severe herniation.

In many cases, all that is needed is to retrain control of the back muscles, so they relax.  With the pressure relieved, discs are relieved and can heal.

In other cases, discs have been torn, and in my experience, that's a surgical situation, as the body's protective reflexes keep the back muscles contracted and return them to contraction even if they are brought to a state of relaxation.

Which case applies -- muscular compression or disc damage -- should be determined, as surgeries are irreversible and their success rate is affected by muscles still in contraction.

A talk with your husband's surgeon is in order.

Please see articles on back pain at somatics.com/page4.htm for more background.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold